Professional Book Nerds

We're not just book nerds. We're professional book nerds! We are staff librarians who work at OverDrive, the leading app for eBooks and audiobooks from public libraries and schools. It's our job to discuss books all day long so we thought, "Why not share the conversation!" Hear about the best books we've read, get recommendations, and learn about the hottest books coming out that we can't wait to dive into. Every title discussed is available to borrow through public libraries. Get started reading at overdrive.com and subscribe to our podcast today!

We're excited to share our brand new 2020 reading challenge! In this episode, we explain each of the following challenges in depth. Be sure to subscribe to hear upcoming episodes loaded with recommendations.

You can find the form to fill out at professionalbooknerds.com or on our pinned tweet over at @ProBookNerds on Twitter. Be sure to share your progress using the hashtag #PBNread2020

On today's episode, Adam is joined by bestselling author Katharine McGee! They chat about her transitioning from Science Fiction to writing romantic comedies with her new, phenomenal book American Royals. They also discuss Katharine's love of intricate period piece shows, share thoughts on His Dark Materials, and, of course, chat about Les Mis.

It is not an understatement to say that Steve Potash is the reason we are able to do this podcast. Steve is the founder and creator of Rakuten OverDrive as well as one of the main reasons digital library reading is such a prevalent part of our lives. Each day, we come to work at the OverDrive office excitement to help create a world enlightened by reading and it all starts with Steve's energy and passion. But OverDrive has been around much longer than you likely realize and it didn't start with libraries.

On today's episode, Steve joins us to discuss the humble origins of this incredible company we get to call home.

On today's episode, Adam interviews Maaza Mengiste about her new novel, The Shadow King. This book tells the story of Mussolini's 1935 invasion of Ethiopia and how it changed lives forever on both sides. Maaza shares the incredible true story of her ancestor who fought for her right to join the Ethiopian army to defend her home, the paths her research led her down, and so much more.

This episode is sponsored by https://literatibooks.com/. Use our promo code PROBOOKNERDS for $20 off your first box of teacher-curated books and beautiful artwork for kids! These unique gifts also feature some amazing holiday themes this month!

On today's episode, Adam interviews Kate Racculia, author of the award-winning Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts. They chat about Edgar Allan Poe, Kate's many exceptional past jobs, her experience working in a library and so much more wonderful nerdery. Take a listen!

This episode is sponsored by https://literatibooks.com/. Use our promo code PROBOOKNERDS for $20 off your first box of teacher-curated books and beautiful artwork for kids! These unique gifts also feature some amazing holiday themes this month!

On today's episode, Adam and Jill sit down with local authors Barbara and Teeba Furat Marlowe. Their book, A Brave Face, tells the incredible true story of how two families from halfway around the world became forever connected, turning a tragedy into a heartwarming story of perseverance, faith, and hope.

Today's episode is a splendidly fun conversation with Ben Aaronovitch, author of the wildly popular Rivers of London series! We nerd out about writing, London, Mythology, police procedurals and so much more.

This episode is sponsored by https://literatibooks.com/. Use our promo code PROBOOKNERDS for $20 off your first box of teacher-curated books and beautiful artwork for kids!

Who is ready to return to Elfhame? This week, the final book in Holly Black's wildly popular "Folk of the Air" series, The Queen of Nothing, came out and Holly stopped by to chat! Adam and Holly get into the creation of the world of Elfhame, the relationship between Jude and Cardan, and so much more. This is a must listen!

Surprise! Adam went down to Atlanta for a day to record a bonus episode with Big Library Read authors Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal! They chat with a bunch of incredible students from DeKalb Early College Academy about the creation and importance of I'm Not Dying With You Tonight.

On today's episode, Adam sits down with Kacen Callender to discuss their new adult fantasy novel Queen of the Conquered. They also discuss writing for marginalized readers and helping people see themselves in stories.

On today's episode, Jill and Adam dive into National Novel Writing Month, how they're approaching this monumental task, and offer up loads of books to help you get through #NaNoWriMo. Need help? We've got your back.

Below you'll find the books mentioned in this episode broken out by what you might need help with for your writing journey.

On today's quick episode, Adam discusses why Erin Morgenstern's The Starless Sea affected him so much and why he hopes everyone reads this book about magical hidden worlds and the importance of stories.

On today's episode, Adam sits down for a live interview with Michael Connelly, creator of the legendary and wildly popular Harry Bosch series of books. His latest book, The Night Fire is out now and reconnects Bosch and Ballard and will keep you guessing until the very end.

Thank you, as always, to our home away from home, Cuyahoga County Public Library, for hosting this event in front of a sold-out crowd of 500 people!

On today's episode, Jill and Adam sit down with JoJo Moyes to discuss her brand new book, The Giver of Stars. In this live interview in front of a few hundred fellow nerds, they chat all about her research visiting Kentucky, the fascinating people she met, the intense research holes she falls down, and Jojo shares a harrowing story about a dog she rescued.

On today's episode, Adam and Jill sit down with Elvis Duran in front of a soldout audience to discuss his new memoir Where Do I Begin?, the future of radio, and life in general. This was such a wonderful event to be a part of and you're going to love this conversation.

Special thanks to 9.65 Kiss FM and I Heart Radio, Cleveland for access to the audio for this episode.

THESE ARE NOT HOBGOBLINS! Light yourself a black flame candle and gather ye round. We're dishing out a grabbag of scary books perfect for any type of reader. Don't worry about just grabbing one. You can take a handful!

On today's episode, Adam breaks down why His Dark Materials his essential in society for readers of all ages. He discusses the connection to spiritualism and religion and how the origins of the story can be traced to Paradise Lost.

The latest book in the Book Of Dust series The Secret Commonwealth is out this week. In this series, Philip Pullman expands on the universe and stories he created as we continue Lyra's journey.

On today's episode, Adam and Jill are joined by Andrea and Rachel to dish out book recommendations spooky, serious, and otherwise! Whether you want to be scared, laugh, learn something new, or be reminded how awesome you are as a parent we've got something for you in this one.

On today's episode, Adam & Jill discuss the books they've been enjoying recently before Adam sits down with Nefertiti Austin to talk about her book Motherhood So White. Nefertiti's book breaks down all the misconceptions about adoption and being a single parent as an African American.

This episode is sponsored by https://literatibooks.com/. Use our promo code PROBOOKNERDS for $20 off your first box of teacher-curated books and artwork for kids!